Cilla Black death: Anyone Who Had A Heart singer makes a return to the charts

Before the days of Surprise, Surprise! and Blind Date, Cilla Black was a pop star who sold millions of records and even toured with the Beatles. And in the wake of her death, the entertainer has made a posthumous return to the UK charts.

The Liverpudlian legend was found dead on her balcony on 1 August by her son, according to BBC News correspondent Robert Hall. Paramedics arrived on the scene at 6pm local time (5pm BST) but were unable to resuscitate her. According to the coroner's report, the 72-year-old was sunbathing at her villa in Estepona when she stood up, lost her balance and fell hitting her head and subsequently suffered a stroke.

After more than 30 years, Black is back in the charts with her compilation album The Very Best Of. The record, which was originally released in 1983 then expanded and re-released in October 2013, has reached number 14. It is Black's highest charting album in 47 years, since Sher-oo! in 1968, according to the Official Charts Company.

Her former Number One single Anyone Who Had A Heart, first released in 1964, also returned to the charts in the 41th place, marking its highest chart position in 51 years. Back in 2014, the ballad reached number 47 thanks to ITV drama Cilla, based on the singer's life starring Sheridan Smith.

The chart resurgence is mainly down to fans paying tribute to the TV star and singer, whose body has now arrived back in the UK ahead of her funeral. She is expected to be laid to rest next week in Buckinghamshire.

In a statement, the Blind Date star's sons Robert, Ben and Jack Willis thanked fans for their outpouring of love and support.

"We are devastated by the sad loss of our mother, but have been deeply touched by all the kind messages of support from her friends, fans, the public and media," they said. "We would like to thank everyone, especially the people of Liverpool. The tributes and condolences have really helped us through these difficult times."